The 2024 International Youth Week has been marked with various activities and celebrations across the globe, and Oyo State was no exception. The Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Honorable Wasilat Adegoke, led a group of youths to St. Peter’s Church, Aremo, Ibadan, for a special thanksgiving service to commemorate the occasion.
The International Youth Week, observed from August 12th to 18th, aims to promote youth empowerment, development, and unity worldwide. In line with this theme, the Oyo Commissioner for Youth and Sports organized the thanksgiving service to appreciate the blessings and opportunities available to youths in the state.
The service, which drew a large crowd of young people from various backgrounds, was an opportunity for them to come together and express gratitude for their lives, talents, and experiences. The Commissioner, in her address, emphasized the importance of thanksgiving and appreciation in the lives of youths.
“As youths, we often focus on our challenges and difficulties, but it’s essential to take a step back and appreciate the blessings we have received,” Commissioner Adegoke said. “Today, we gather to thank God for our lives, our talents, and our opportunities. We also pray for guidance, wisdom, and strength to become the leaders and change-makers we were created to be.”
The thanksgiving service featured inspiring speeches, songs, and prayers from various youth groups and leaders. The youths also had the opportunity to share their testimonies and experiences, highlighting the impact of the Oyo State Government’s youth development initiatives in their lives.
Honorable Adegoke, was joined by other government officials, youth leaders, and stakeholders in the youth development sector. The event was a testament to the Oyo State Government’s commitment to empowering and celebrating its youths.
As the International Youth Week comes to a close, the Oyo State Government reaffirms its dedication to creating a conducive environment for youth development, empowerment, and growth. The thanksgiving service at St. Peter’s Church, Aremo, Ibadan, will remain a memorable experience for the youths, inspiring them to become positive change-makers in their communities and beyond.
The Provost of the Cathedral, Very Rev’d S.K. Olawoyin, delivered a heartfelt charge to the youth, urging them to serve as good instruments of Lord Jesus Christ, striving to embody His teachings, values, and spirit of selfless service, and to remain steadfast in their faith, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of their lives.